October 2009

Caravan trip ends in tragedy

Grey nomad killed, wife trapped in horror smash

A 74-YEAR-OLD caravanner died when his rig was involved in an horrific accident on a central Queensland highway.

Rescue workers battled furiously to free the man's 75-year-old wife who was trapped in the mangled wreckage of the couple's Mitsubishe Pajero 4WD for nearly two hours after a collision with a B-double refrigerated truck.

The woman, who suffered head and internal injuries, was airlifted from the crash site on the Carnarvon Highway south of Rolleston to Rockhampton Base Hospital.

The 44-year-old truckie was unhurt.

Police said the Pajero, which was towing a Jayco caravan, and truck loaded with bananas had both been heading south on a straight stretch of highway.

Springsure firefighters, ambulance and Rolleston SES volunteers attended the scene. Queensland Transport officers also visited the crash site and later inspected the truck.

The caravanners were believed to from Armidale in New South Wales.

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Two caravanners were flown to hospital by an emergency rescue helicopter after their rig rolled in Queensland.

Police said a woman received head injuries and a man suffered an injury to his hand.

The accident happened on the Gregory Developmental Road at Belyando, north of Clermont. No other vehicle was involved.

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And in a third Queensland accident, the Bruce Highway between St Lawrence and Marlborough was blocked when a caravan collided with a truck.

Tow trucks were brought in to clear the highway.

The caravanners received minor injuries but the truck driver escaped unhurt.

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Meanwhile, drivers have been criticised for speeding past an accident involving a caravan and motorcycle in New South Wales.

The 51-year-old motorcyclist died when his machine collided with the caravan, which had pulled onto the side of the Mid-Western Highway near Blayney in the State's central west..

But witnesses said other vehicles, some even bearing P-plates, sped past the crash site without even slowing down.

"People were flashing their lights to warn other drivers but some just ignored them," one said.

The driver of the caravan rig was taken to Blayney Hospital and was treated for shock and minor injuries.